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05 Nov 2012

Following a 2011 mini-tour, A Christmas Story, The Musical lands on Broadway Nov. 7. Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul document the experience for Playbill.com, taking readers through rehearsals and previews and up to opening night.

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A Christmas Story has a score by Richard Rodgers Award-winning Dogfight songwriters Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, and a book by Joseph Robinette. The musical also features orchestrations by 2011 Tony nominee Larry Blank (Catch Me If You Can, The Drowsy Chaperone, White Christmas), musical supervision by Ian Eisendrath and dance arrangements by Glen Kelly.

Johnny Rabe stars as Ralphie, with Joe West performing the role at certain performances

The cast will also include John Bolton as The Old Man, Erin Dilly (Nice Work If You Can Get It, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) as Mother, Caroline O'Connor (Chicago, Mack and Mabel, "Moulin Rouge") as school teacher Miss Shields, Eddie Korbich (The Little Mermaid, The Drowsy Chaperone, Wicked) as Santa Claus and Zac Ballard (Oliver! at Irish Rep) as little brother Randy. Dan Lauria, who last appeared in the title role of Lombardi, will portray narrator Jean Shepherd.

According to producers, "In 1940's Indiana, a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas—a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. A Christmas Story, The Musical is holiday entertainment that captures a simpler time in America with delicious wit and a heart of gold."